Psalm 1:1-6 1 Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the impious, and has not remained in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the chair of pestilence.2 But his will is with the law of the Lord, and he will meditate on his law, day and night.3 And he will be like a tree that has been planted beside running waters, which will provide its fruit in its time, and its leaf will not fall away, and all things whatsoever that he does will prosper.4 Not so the impious, not so. For they are like the dust that the wind casts along the face of the earth.5 Therefore, the impious will not prevail again in judgment, nor sinners in the council of the just.6 For the Lord knows the way of the just. And the path of the impious will pass away. Malachi 3:13-18​13 Your words have gathered strength over me, says the Lord.14 And you have said, "What have we spoken against you?" You have said, "He labors in vain who serves God," and, "What advantage is it that we have kept his precepts, and that we have walked sorrowfully in the sight of the Lord of hosts?15 Therefore, we now call the arrogant blessed, as if those who work impiety have been built up, and as if they have tempted God and been saved."16 Then those who fear the Lord spoke, each one with his neighbor. And the Lord paid attention and heeded. And a book of remembrance was written in his sight, for those who fear the Lord and for those who consider his name.17 And they will be my special possession, says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I act. And I will spare them, just as a man spares his son who serves him.18 And you shall be converted, and you will see the difference between the just and the impious, and between those who serve God and those who do not serve him.